Communication terminal, communication method, computer readable recording medium having communication program recorded, and network system

ABSTRACT

A communication terminal includes: a display, an input device for accepting a first operation instruction; a communication device for connection with a server and another terminal; and a control unit for receiving first contents from the server via the communication device according to the first operation instruction, determining whether connection with another terminal is established or not, transmitting the first contents to another terminal via the communication device when a determination is made that connection with another terminal is established, and causing the display to show the first contents.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of copending U.S. application Ser.No. 13/500,232 filed on Apr. 4, 2012, which is the National Phase of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP2010/067446 filed on Oct. 5, 2010,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2009-231158, filed in Japan on Oct. 5, 2009, all ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication terminal capable ofconnection with a server and another terminal, a computer readablerecording medium having a communication program recorded, acommunication method, and a network system. Particularly, the presentinvention relates to a communication terminal that can transmit contentsreceived from a server to another terminal, a computer readablerecording medium having a communication program recorded, acommunication method, and a network system.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a communication terminal receiving entry of a handwritingimage from a user through a touch panel. Some of these communicationterminals allow the transmission and reception of a handwriting imagewith another terminal, i.e. the so-called handwriting chat.

For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-221842 (PTL 1)discloses a communication system and a terminal device thereof.According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-221842 (PTL 1), asession control means carries out voice conversation, as well as imageand handwriting data communication without requiring permission from thereception side. An image/handwriting data management means includes aplurality of planes, displays the basic image data at one of theseplanes, and displays handwriting data currently in communication atanother plane for overlapping display of these plurality of planes. Animage data transmission control means/reception control means transfersand receives the basic image data with the expedient designation and/ordata contents switched. A display control means arranges the coordinatesystem of the basic image data with the handwriting data to exchange theposition indicating the handwriting data between the terminal devices,allowing scrolling and display such that the basic image data andhandwriting data are displayed at the display means.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-234594 (PTL 2) discloses a photocommunication system and method as well as an information recordingmedium. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-234594 (PTL2), a pair of information communication terminals including image inputmeans for receiving image data from a memory card or the like of adigital camera, data recording means for recording image data and thelike, input means for entry of a designation from a user, image displaymeans for displaying a recorded image or the like, data communicationmeans for transferring data such as recorded image with anotherterminal, and control means for controlling execution of the terminalare configured to allow, upon writing handwritten graphic elementsthrough input means overlaid on image display means while the imagedisplayed at the image display means is viewed at each of theinformation communication terminals, the handwritten result including animage to be displayed at the information communication terminal of theother party in real time.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-108027 (PTL 3)discloses an image posting management system and an image postingmanagement method. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.2008-108027 (PTL 3), there is provided an image posting managementmethod based on a server allowing communication via a communicationnetwork or the Internet, a system manager terminal device, a groupmanager terminal device, and a user terminal device. The user enters anID/password for verification in the server. A permitted user is allowedviewing an image with respect to the users in the group. A candidate formembership is designated to belong to any of the groups based on apermission from the system manager, allowing posting, viewing, andprinting of an image in that group.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-221842-   PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-234594-   PTL 3: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-108027

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The conventional art set forth above is disadvantageous in that, duringa handwriting chat with another terminal, a background image (underlyingimage) for the handwriting chat could not be obtained from the serverand that the relevant background image could not be shared with anotherterminal.

In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is toobtain, during a handwriting chat with another terminal, a backgroundimage for the handwriting chat from a server, and to share the relevantbackground image with another terminal.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the present invention, a communicationterminal capable of communication with a server and another terminal isprovided. The communication terminal includes a display, an input devicefor accepting a first operation instruction, a communication device forconnection with the server and another terminal, and a control unitwhich receives first contents from the server via the communicationdevice according to the first operation instruction, determines whetherconnection with another terminal is established or not, and transmitsthe first contents to another terminal via the communication device whena determination is made that connection with another terminal isestablished, and causes the display to show the first contents.

Preferably, the input device accepts a second operation instruction fordrawing second contents. The control unit causes the display to show thefirst and second contents in an overlapped manner based on the secondoperation instruction, and transmits the second operation instruction orsecond contents to another terminal via the communication device.

Preferably, the input device includes a tablet for accepting input of ahandwriting image as the second contents. The tablet is disposed at thesurface of the display. The first contents is a background image forshowing the entry box of a handwriting image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda communication method of a communication terminal including a display,a control unit, and a communication device. The communication methodincludes the steps of accepting a first operation instruction by thecontrol unit, receiving first contents from a server via thecommunication device according to the first operation instruction by thecontrol unit, determining whether connection with another terminal isestablished or not by the control unit, transmitting the first contentsto another terminal via the communication device when a determination ismade that connection with another terminal is established by the controlunit, and causing the display to show the first contents by the controlunit.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a computer readable recording medium having a communicationprogram recorded for communication of a communication terminal includinga display, a control unit, and a communication device. The communicationprogram causes the control unit to execute the steps of accepting afirst operation instruction, receiving first contents from a server viathe communication device according to the first operation instruction,determining whether connection with another terminal is established ornot, transmitting the first contents to another terminal via thecommunication device when a determination is made that connection withanother terminal is established, and causing display to show the firstcontents.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda network system including a server, a first terminal, and a secondterminal. The server transmits first contents to the first terminalaccording to a request from the first terminal. The first terminalincludes a first display, a first input device for accepting a firstoperation instruction, a first communication device for connection withthe server and the second terminal, and a first control unit forreceiving the first contents from the server via the first communicationdevice according to the first operation instruction determining whetherconnection with the second terminal is established or not, transmittingthe first contents to the second terminal via the first communicationdevice when a determination is made that connection with the secondterminal is established, and causing the first display to show the firstcontents. The second terminal includes a second display, a secondcommunication device for connection with the first terminal, and asecond control unit for receiving the first contents from the firstterminal via the second communication device, and causing the seconddisplay to show the first contents.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda communication method of a network system including a server, a firstterminal, and a second terminal. The communication method includes thesteps of accepting a first operation instruction by the first terminal,requesting the server of first contents via a first communication deviceaccording to a first operation instruction by the first terminal,transmitting by the server the first contents to the first terminalaccording to the request from the first terminal, determining whetherconnection with the second terminal is established or not by the firstterminal, transmitting the first contents to the second terminal via thefirst communication device when a determination is made that connectionwith the second terminal is established by the first terminal, causingthe first display to show the first contents by the first terminal,receiving the first contents from the first terminal via a secondcommunication device by the second terminal, and causing a seconddisplay to show the first contents by the second terminal.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a background image for a handwritingchat can be obtained from a server, and the background image can beshared with another terminal, during a handwriting chat with anotherterminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of an operation overview in anon-chat mode of a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of screen transition of a cellularphone in a non-chat mode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of an operation overview in a chatmode of the network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of screen transition of a cellularphone in a chat mode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of an outer appearance of acellular phone according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a cellularphone according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a postingserver 400 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of a data structure of a servicepage according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of the relationship betweenprograms executed by control units of cellular phones according to anembodiment.

FIG. 10 represents the sequence of an overview of data transmission andreception process at a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the procedure of an activation process at acellular phone according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the procedure of a chat process at a cellularphone according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a first flowchart of the procedure of a non-chat processaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a second flowchart of the procedure of a non-chat accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the procedure of a feature button operationprocess subroutine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the procedure of a service usage start buttonoperation process according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the procedure of a service process at aposting server according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter withreference to the drawings. In the following, the same elements have thesame reference characters allotted. Their designation and feature arealso the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

<Overall Configuration of Network System 1>

First, a network system 1 according to an embodiment will be described.FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of an operation overview in anon-chat mode of network system 1 according to the present embodiment.FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of screen transition of a cellularphone 100 in a non-chat mode according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3is a pictorial representation of an operation overview in a chat mode ofnetwork system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is apictorial representation of screen transition of cellular phone 100 in achat mode according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, network system 1 of the present embodimentincludes a plurality of cellular phones 100A, and 100B, a mail server200, a chat server 300, a posting server 400, and a network 500. Theplurality of cellular phones 100A and 100B are also generically referredto as cellular phone 100 hereinafter.

Each of cellular phones 100A and 100B, mail server 200, chat server 300and posting serving 400 can be connected on a network 500 such as a LAN(Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, a carriernetwork or the like. In other words, cellular phones 100A and 100B, mailserver 200, chat server 300 and posting serving 400 can be connectedwith each other via network 500.

More specifically, cellular phones 100A and 100B, mail server 200, chatserver 300 and posting serving 400 are assigned identificationinformation (for example, mail address, IP (Internet Protocol) addressor the like) to identify itself. A plurality of cellular phones 100A and100B store the identification information of another communicationapparatus in its internal recording medium. Accordingly, each of theplurality of cellular phones 100A and 100B can transmit and receive datato/from another communication apparatus via network 500 based on theidentification information of another communication apparatus.

When each of the plurality of cellular phones 100A and 100B gains accessto network 500 in the present embodiment, it is assumed that an IPaddress is assigned to the relevant communication terminal by a servernot shown. First cellular phone 100A according to the present embodimentcan carry out data transmission and reception to/from second cellularphone 100B without intervention of a server if the IP address assignedto itself and the IP address assigned to second cellular phone 100B areobtained.

Thus, first cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B of thepresent embodiment constitute the so-called P2P (Peer to Peer) typenetwork by obtaining the IP address of each other. Since the details ofan IP address assigning process is well known, description thereof willnot be repeated here.

<Operation Overview of Network System 1>

An operation overview of network system 1 according to the presentembodiment will be described hereinafter. Particularly, an operationoverview (FIGS. 1 and 2) corresponding to the case where first cellularphone 100A and second cellular phone 100B are not currently engaged in ahandwriting chat (non-chat mode), and an operation overview (FIGS. 3 and4) corresponding to the case where first cellular phone 100A and secondcellular phone 100B are currently engaged in a handwriting chat (chatmode) will be described hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation overview corresponding to thecase where first cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B arenot currently engaged in a handwriting chat will be describedhereinafter.

(1) The user of first cellular phone 100A logs into posting server 400.For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), first cellular phone 100A downloadsfrom posting server 400 a Web page of a compatibility test site, andprovides a display of the Web page. As shown in FIG. 2 (B), in responseto the user selecting a background image or entering a switchinginstruction to a chat screen, first cellular phone 100A requests postingserver 400 of handwriting chat information (hereinafter, also referredto as “function embedded information” or “posting service relatedinformation”) including an initial image 104A according to theinstruction from the user.

(2) Posting server 400 transmits the handwriting chat information tofirst cellular phone 100A. The handwriting chat information includes abackground image of a handwriting chat (initial screen) and otherinformation used in the handwriting chat. As shown in FIG. 2 (C), firstcellular phone 100A receives the handwriting chat information anddisplays the initial screen.

(3) As shown in FIG. 2 (D), first cellular phone 100A accepts ahandwriting instruction from the user. First cellular phone 100A acceptsa handwritten instruction of an image or text from the user through astylus pen or touch panel to provide a display of the relevant imageand/or text (handwriting image). For example, first cellular phone 100Aaccepts the name of a man, the name of a woman, and the like ashandwriting image.

(4) As shown in FIG. 2 (E), first cellular phone 100A transmits ahandwriting image 104B to posting server 400. Posting server 400executes a predetermined process (calculation) based on handwritingimage 104B from first cellular phone 100A. For example, posting server400 identifies a man's name and woman's name from the handwriting imageand refers to a database to conduct a test on the compatibilitytherebetween.

(5) Posting server 400 transmits the processed result to first cellularphone 100A. First cellular phone 100A shows the processed result. Forexample, posting server 400 extracts the compatibility result, performsa calculation or the like, and transmits the obtained result to firstcellular phone 100A. The result of the compatibility test is displayedat first cellular phone 100A.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (F) in the present embodiment,posting server 400 utilizes a mail server 200 to transmit the address ofthe site to view the processed result to first cellular phone 100Athrough electronic mail. As shown in FIG. 2 (G), first cellular phone100A downloads a Web page indicating the processed result from postingserver 400 based on the received address.

An operation overview corresponding to the case where first cellularphone 100A is currently engaged in a handwriting chat with secondcellular phone 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

(1) First cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B perform P2Pcommunication based on each other's IP address. As shown in FIG. 4 (A),first cellular phone 100A transmits a handwriting image “Shall weconduct test?” to second cellular phone 100B.

(2) As shown in FIG. 4 (B), second cellular phone 100B transmits ahandwriting image “OK!” to first cellular phone 100A. At this stage, thehandwriting images displayed at first cellular phone 100A and secondcellular phone 100B are preferably the same, as shown in FIG. 4 (A) and(B) in FIG. 4.

(3) The user of first cellular phone 100A proceeds to utilize a testservice. Specifically, the user of first cellular phone 100A logs intoposting server 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (C), first cellularphone 100A downloads a Web page of a compatibility test site fromposting server 400, and displays the relevant Web page. Upon the userselecting a background image and/or entering a switching instruction tothe chat screen, first cellular phone 100A requests posting server 400of handwriting chat information (initial image 104A) according to theinstruction from the user.

(4) Posting server 400 transmits the handwriting chat information tofirst cellular phone 100A. The handwriting chat information includes abackground image (initial screen) of the handwriting chat and otherinformation used in the handwriting chat. First cellular phone 100Areceives the handwriting chat information and displays the initialscreen.

(5) First cellular phone 100A transmits the initial screen to secondcellular phone 100B. Accordingly, first cellular phone 100A and secondcellular phone 100B can produce a handwriting image based on the sameinitial screen.

(6) As shown in FIG. 4 (D), first cellular phone 100A accepts ahandwriting instruction from the user. First cellular phone 100A acceptsa drawing instruction of an image and/or text from the user through astylus pen or touch panel, and displays the relevant image and/or text(handwriting image). For example, first cellular phone 100A accepts aman's name and the like as a handwriting image.

(7) First cellular phone 100A transmits handwriting image 104B to secondcellular phone 100B. As shown in FIG. 4 (E), second cellular phone 100Breceives handwriting image 104B and displays the same.

(8) Second cellular phone 100B accepts a handwriting instruction fromthe user. Second cellular phone 100B accepts a drawing instruction of animage and/or text from the user through a stylus pen or touch panel, anddisplays the relevant image and/or text (handwriting image). Forexample, second cellular phone 100B accepts a woman's name as ahandwriting image.

(9) Second cellular phone 100B transmits a handwriting image 104B tofirst cellular phone 100A. First cellular phone 100A receiveshandwriting image 104B and displays handwriting image 104A.

(10) As shown in FIG. 4 (F), first cellular phone 100A (or secondcellular phone 100B) transmits handwriting image 104B to posting server400. Posting server 400 executes a predetermined process (calculation)based on handwriting image 104B from first cellular phone 100A. Forexample, posting server 400 identifies the man's name or woman's namefrom the handwriting image to conduct a compatibility test therebetweenby referring to a database.

(11) Posting server 400 transmits the processed result to first cellularphone 100A (or second cellular phone 100B). First cellular phone 100A(or second cellular phone 100B) displays the processed result.

For example, posting server 400 extracts the compatibility result,performs a calculation or the like, and transmits the obtained result tofirst cellular phone 100A (or second cellular phone 100B). At thisstage, first cellular phone 100A (or second cellular phone 100B)displays the result of the compatibility test.

In the present embodiment, first cellular phone 100A (or second cellularphone 100B) transmits the processed result to second cellular phone 100B(or first cellular phone 100A). Second cellular phone 100B (or firstcellular phone 100A) receives the processed result for display.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (G) in the present embodiment,posting server 400 utilizes mail server 200 to transmit the address ofthe site to view the processed result to first cellular phone 100A (orsecond cellular phone 100B). First cellular phone 100A (or secondcellular phone 100B) transfers the electronic mail to second cellularphone 100B (or first cellular phone 100A).

As shown in FIG. 4 (H) first cellular phone 100A and second cellularphone 100B download a Web page showing the processed result from postingserver 400 based on the relevant address. First cellular phone 100A andsecond cellular phone 100B provide a display of the Web page indicatingthe processed result.

According to network system 1 of the present embodiment, first cellularphone 100A can obtain a background image for a handwriting chataccording to a service from posting server 400. When first cellularphone 100A and second cellular phone 100B are currently engaged in ahandwriting chat, first cellular phone 100A can share the backgroundimage received from posting server 400 with second cellular phone 100B.

A configuration to realize such a feature will be described in detailhereinafter.

<Hardware Configuration of Cellular Phone 100>

A hardware configuration of cellular phone 100 according to the presentembodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 5 is a pictorialrepresentation of an outer appearance of a cellular phone 100 accordingto the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a hardwareconfiguration of cellular phone 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cellular phone 100 according to the presentembodiment includes a communication device 101 for transmitting andreceiving data to/from an external communication terminal via a network,a tablet 102 accepting an instruction from the user, a non-volatilememory 105 for storing a program and various data in a non-volatilemanner, a display 107, and a control unit 110 for controlling eachcomponent in cellular phone 100.

Communication device 101 converts communication data from control unit110 into a communication signal, and emits the communication signal viaan antenna. Communication device 101 converts the communication signalreceived via an antenna into communication data, which is input tocontrol unit 110.

Control unit 110 controls each component in cellular phone 100. Controlunit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor(Microprocessor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital SignalProcessor), and a circuit having other operational functions, and thelike. Control unit 110 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM(Read Only Memory), VRAM (Video RAM), and the like.

Control unit 110 includes a volatile memory 103 implemented by a RAM orthe like, and a display memory 104 implemented by a VRAM. Control unit110 includes a main controller 106 implemented by a CPU or the like, acommunication controller 108, and a display controller 109.

Volatile memory 103 functions as a work memory. Volatile memory 103 isimplemented by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (StaticRandom Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM(Synchronous DRAM), DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM), RDRAM (RambusDynamic Random Access Memory (registered trademark)), Direct-RDRAM(Direct Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (registered trademark)), acircuit having a configuration capable of storing data in a volatilemanner, or the like.

More specifically, main controller 106 reads out from volatile memory103 a control program such as of a handwriting chat, browser, mailer,and the like to execute the relevant control program. Control unit 110accepts various instructions from the user through tablet 102. Controlunit 110 transfers data with another terminal, mail server 200, chatserver 300, posting server 400 and the like via communication device 101and network 500.

For example, control unit 110 responds to a user's instruction acceptedvia tablet 102 to request posting server 400 of a background image viacommunication device 101. Control unit 110 displays an underlying image(first contents) received from posting server 400 via communicationdevice 101 for display at display 107.

Control unit 110 accepts a drawing instruction via tablet 102. Controlunit 110 transmits an accepted handwriting image (second contents) toanother terminal through communication device 101. Control unit 110receives a handwriting image from another terminal via communicationdevice 101. Control unit 110 displays the received handwriting image atdisplay 107.

Control unit 110 transmits a handwriting image drawn at cellular phone100 or another terminal to posting server 400 via communication device101. Control unit 110 displays the processed result received fromposting server 400 at display 107.

Non-volatile memory 105 according to the present embodiment is realizedby, for example, a flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), mask ROM, PROM(Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM),EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random AccessMemory), a circuit having a configuration capable of storing data in anon-volatile manner, and the like.

Display 107 of the present embodiment is constituted of a liquid crystalpanel or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). Display 107 displays contents such asan image and/or text based on a signal (instruction) from control unit110. Namely, control unit 110 causes display 107 to show the backgroundimage and handwriting image in a superimposed manner.

At the communication terminal of the present embodiment, tablet 102 isprovided at the lower side (back side) of display 107. Accordingly, theuser can use a stylus pen, a finger, or the like to enter graphicalinformation and the like in a handwriting manner to control unit 110through tablet 102. In other words, display 107 and tablet 102 of thepresent embodiment constitute the so-called touch panel.

<Hardware Configuration of Posting Server 400>

A hardware configuration of posting server 400 of the present embodimentwill be described hereinafter. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hardwareconfiguration of posting server 400 according to the present embodiment.The hardware configuration of mail server 200 and chat server 300 arebasically similar to that of posting server 400. Therefore, descriptionthereof will not be repeated.

Referring to FIG. 7, posting server 400 of the present embodimentincludes a communication device 401 transmitting and receiving datato/from an external communication terminal via a network, a non-volatilememory 405 storing a program and various data in a non-volatile manner,and a control unit 410 for controlling each component in posting server400.

Communication device 401 converts the communication data from controlunit 410 into a communication signal, which is dispatched onto network500. Communication device 401 converts the communication signal receivedvia network 500 into communication data, which is input to control unit410.

Control unit 110 controls each component in posting server 400. Controlunit 410 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), microprocessor, FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific IntegratedCircuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a circuit having otheroperation features, and the like. Control unit 110 includes a RAM(Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), VRAM (Video RAM), andthe like.

Control unit 410 includes a volatile memory 403 implemented by a RAM orthe like. Control unit 410 also includes a main controller 406implemented by a CPU or the like.

Volatile memory 403 functions as a work memory. Volatile memory 403 isimplemented by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (StaticRandom Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM(Synchronous DRAM), DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM), RDRAM (RambusDynamic Random Access Memory registered trademark)), Direct-RDRAM(Direct Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (registered trademark)), acircuit having a configuration capable of storing data in a volatilemanner, and the like.

More specifically, main controller 406 reads out a control program fromvolatile memory 403 to execute the relevant control program. Controlunit 410 transfers data with cellular phone 100, mail server 200, chatserver 300, and the like via communication device 401 and network 500.

For example, control unit 410 responds to a request received fromcellular phone 100 via communication device 401 to transmit anunderlying image to cellular phone 100 via communication device 401.Control unit 410 receives a handwriting image drawn at cellular phone100 via communication device 401. Control unit 410 executes apredetermined process (calculation) based on the handwriting image.Control unit 410 transmits the processed result to cellular phone 100via communication device 401.

Non-volatile memory 405 of the present embodiment is implemented by, forexample, flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), mask ROM or PROM(Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM),EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random AccessMemory), a circuit having a configuration capable of storing data in anon-volatile manner, and the like.

<Data Structure>

Data of a service page transmitted from posting server 400 to cellularphone 100 will be described hereinafter. FIG. 8 is a pictorialrepresentation of the data structure of a service page according to thepresent embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, non-volatile memory 405 in posting server 400stores text data (PTEXT) for a service introduction page, image data(PIMG) of the service introduction page, and button data (PBTN) for theservice usage page.

The text data (PTEXT) of the service introduction page includes adisplay start position (SPOS) of an object, and the contents of theobject (DATAT).

The image data (PIMG) of the service introduction page includes adisplay start position (SPOS) of an object, and a file name (DATAI) ofthe file in which the object is stored.

Button data (PBTN) of a service usage page includes a display startposition (SPOS) of an object, and a data code (DATAB) related to anoperation on the object. Data code (DATAB) related to an operation on anobject includes an underlying image file name (DLDT) in a service usagemode, an address (ULADR) to which the generated image data is to betransmitted, and a program code (PBPUSH ( )) in a button depressed mode.The underlying image file name (DLDT) in a service usage mode, theaddress (ULADR) to which the generated image data is to be transmitted,and the like constitute data of a posting function embedded file.

<Program of Cellular Phone 100>

The relationship between programs executed by control unit 110 incellular phone 100 of the present embodiment will be describedhereinafter. FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation indicating therelationship between programs executed by control unit 110 in cellularphone 100 of the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, control unit 110 of cellular phone 100 implements,based on a program loaded in volatile memory 103, a handwriting chatapplication 1061, a browser application 1062, and a mailer application1063.

Communication device 101 and communication controller 108 of cellularphone 100 implement a first communication unit 101A and a secondcommunication unit 101B. First communication unit 101Atransmits/receives data to/from mail server 200, chat server 300, andposting server 400 via a carrier network, Internet, or the like. Secondcommunication unit 101B transmits/receives data to/from another terminal(cellular phone) via a carrier network, Internet, or the like.

The operation (function) of each application implemented by controlunit1 110 will be described hereinafter in chronological order.

First, handwriting chat application 1061 transmits a chat networkformulation request to chat server 300 via first communication unit 101A(A1). Specifically, handwriting chat application 1061 transmits to chatserver 300 a room generation request and a room entry request.Handwriting chat application 1061 also obtains identificationinformation from chat server 300.

Handwriting chat application 1061 conducts a chat communication withsecond cellular phone 100B via second communication unit 101B (A2).Specifically, handwriting chat application 1061 transmits the operationinformation accepted via tablet 102 to second cellular phone 100B viathe second communication unit. Handwriting chat application 1061receives the operation information from second cellar phone 100B viasecond communication unit 101B. Handwriting chat application 1061displays the operation information accepted via tablet 102 at display107. Handwriting chat application 1061 displays the operationinformation received from second cellular phone 100B via secondcommunication unit 101B at display 107.

Browser application 1062 responds to an operation instruction from theuser to log into posting server 400 and/or browse the data of postingserver 400 (B1). Specifically, browser application 1062 receives pagedata from posting server 400 via first communication unit 101A. Browserapplication 1062 displays the page based on the page data received fromposting server 400 at display 107.

Browser application 1062 delivers the function embedded informationreceived from posting server 400 to handwriting chat application 1061(B2). Further, handwriting chat application 1061 sets the deliveredfunction embedded information (reset the chat application environmentsuch as a display process of the underlying image included in thefunction embedded information).

Handwriting chat application 1061 transfers the function embeddedinformation to another terminal via second communication unit 101B (B3).Specifically, handwriting chat application 1061 transfers the functionembedded information received from posting server 400 to second cellularphone 100B currently participating in a chat communication. At (thehandwriting chat application of) second cellular phone 100B, thetransferred function embedded information is set (share the chatenvironment such as applying a display process on the underlying imageincluded in the function embedded information).

Mailer application 1063 accepts a posting instruction of a handwritingimage from handwriting chat application 1061 (C1). Specifically, mailerapplication 1063 receives a compatibility test data transmission requestfrom handwriting chat application 1061.

Mailer application 1063 posts mail to mail server 200 via firstcommunication unit 101A (C2). Specifically, mailer application 1063transmits the compatibility test data mail via first communication unit101A.

Meanwhile, mail server 200 receives the posted mail from first cellularphone 100A (C3). Specifically, mail server 200 receives the test datamail from first cellular phone 100A via network 500. Mail server 200transmits the test data mail to posting server 400.

Posting server 400 executes a test process based on the test data mail.Posting server 400 returns the test result to mail server 200 (C4).Specifically, posting server 400 transmits to mail server 200 theaddress of a site to view the test result.

Mail server 200 receives the test result from posting server 400, andtransmits the test result mail to first cellular phone 100A (C5).Namely, mailer application 1063 receives from mail server 200 the testresult mail via first communication unit 101A.

Mailer application 1063 delivers the address of the site to view thetest result to browser application 1062 (C6). Browser application 1062displays the address of the site to view the test result at display 107in a selectable manner. Browser application 1062 accepts a viewinginstruction from the user via tablet 102.

Browser application 1062 gains access to the site to view the testresult based on the relevant address via first communication unit 101A(C7). Browser application 1062 receives page data of the site to viewthe test result from posting server 400 via first communication unit101A. Browser application 1062 displays the test result based on thepage data at display 107.

<Data Transmission/Reception Process>

An overview of a data transmission/reception process at network system 1of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 10represents the sequence of an overview of a data transmission/receptionprocess at network system 1 of the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, first cellular phone 100A accepts a room setuprequest from the user to transmit a room setup request and room entryrequest to chat server 300 via the network (step S002). Chat server 300accepts the room setup request and room entry request from the firstcellular phone to respond to the relevant request (step S004).

Second cellular phone 100B accepts the room entry request from the userto transmit the room entry request to chat server 300 via network 500(step S006). Chat server 300 receives a room entry request from secondcellular phone 100B and responds to the access request. Chat server 300transmits the identification information of second cellular phone 100Bthat is the entry terminal to first cellular phone 100A via network 500.At the same time, chat server 300 transmits to second cellular phone100B the identification information of first cellular phone 100A that isthe room entry terminal. First cellular phone 100A and second cellularphone 100B initialize the chat network via a carrier network or the like(step S008).

An overview of the data transmission/reception process in a serviceusage mode will be described hereinafter. First cellular phone 100Acarries out a log-in process to the service according to a request fromthe user (step S010). Specifically, first cellular phone 100A gainsaccess to the contributor page of posting server 400. In other words,first cellular phone 100A requests posting server 400 of page datatransmission.

Posting server 400 responds to the access request according to the pagedata transmission request from first cellular phone 100A (step S012).Specifically, posting server 400 transmits the posting service relatedinformation (function embedded information) to first cellular phone100A.

First cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B share the chatenvironment via a chat network or the like based on the identificationinformation of each other (step S014). More specifically, first cellularphone 100A transmits the posting service related information (functionembedded information) to second cellular phone 100B.

First cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B generatetesting subject data (step S016). Specifically, first cellular phone100A and second cellular phone 100B exchange the handwriting instruction(handwriting image) accepted via tablet 102. First cellular phone 100Aand second cellular phone 100B sequentially display the handwritinginformation at display 107.

Second cellular phone 100B requests mail server 200 of a test accordingto the test instruction from the user (step S018). Specifically, secondcellular phone 100B transmits testing subject data (handwriting image)to mail server 200. Mail server 200 transfers the testing subject datareceived from second cellular phone 100B to posting server 400.

Posting server 400 executes a subject test process based on the testingsubject data received from second cellular phone 100B via mail server200 (step S020). Posting server 400 transmits the test result to mailserver 200. Mail server 200 transmits the test result mail to secondcellular phone 100B based on the test result from posting server 400.Second cellular phone 100B receives the test result mail from mailserver 200.

First cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B share the testresult (step S022). Specifically, second cellular phone 100B transmitsthe test result to first cellular phone 100A based on the means resultreceived from posting server 400 via mail server 200. Specifically, mailserver 200 transmits the address of the site to view the test result tosecond cellular phone 100B. The second cellular phone transmits dataincluding the relevant address to first cellular phone 100A. The usersof first cellular phone 100A and second cellular phone 100B can view thetest result by gaining access to the site for viewing the test resultbased on the relevant address.

<Activation Process>

The procedure of an activation process at cellular phone 100 (firstcellular phone 100A or second cellular phone 100B) according to thepresent embodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 11 is a flowchartof the procedure of an activation process at cellular phone 100according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, upon the user carrying out a handwriting chatactivation operation, control unit 110 of cellular phone 100 determineswhether it is an application activation operation by a function embeddedfile (step S102). When not the activation operation of an application bythe posting function embedded file (NO at step S102), control unit 110determines whether the application is already in activation or not (stepS104).

When the application is already in activation (YES at step S104),control unit 110 executes the process from step S122.

When the application is not yet activated (NO at step S104), controlunit 110 initializes various data (step S106). For example, control unit110 clears the memory region of the handwriting plane. For example,control unit 110 clears the memory region of the image plane. Forexample, control unit 110 sets or places the designation of a featurebutton corresponding to a defined value.

Control unit 110 sets the CM (chat mode) to 0 (non-chat) (step S108).Control unit 110 executes the process from step S122.

In an application activation operation by the posting function embeddedfile (YES at step S102), control unit 110 downloads the posting functionembedded file from posting server 400 via communication device 101 (stepS110). Specifically, control unit 110 sets various values to the systemvariables directed to posting. For example, control unit 110 stores involatile memory 103 an underlying image (INITIMG), the designation of aposting feature button (BTNNAME), and the mail address of the postdestination (SENDADR) as the system variables set by the postingfunction embedded file.

Control unit 110 initializes the variables related to the screenpresented by the application (step S112). For example, control unit 110clears the memory region of the handwriting plane. For example, controlunit 110 writes INTIMG to the image plane. For example, control unit 110sets or places the designation of a feature button to the value ofBTNNAME.

Control unit 110 determines whether the application is already activatedor not (step S114). When the application is not yet activated (NO atstep S114), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S108.

When the application is already activated (YES at step S114), controlunit 110 determines whether CM=1 or not (step S116). When not CM=1 (NOat step S116), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S122.

When CM=1 is established (YES at step S116), control unit 110 transmitsthe posting function embedded file to another terminal via communicationdevice 101 (step S118). Control unit 110 transmits a clear operation ofthe handwriting plane and a drawing operation of the underlying image(INITIMG) as the posting function embedded operation to the relevantanother terminal via communication device 101 (step S120).

Control unit 110 determines whether CM=1 is established or not (stepS122). Specifically, control unit 110 determines whether currentlyengaged in a chat with another terminal. When cellular phone 100 iscurrently engaged in a chat with another terminal (YES at step S122),control unit 110 executes a chat process. The chat process will bedescribed afterwards.

When cellular phone 100 is not currently engaged in a chat with anotherterminal (NO at step S122), control unit 110 executes a non-chat process(unitary usage process). The non-chat process will be describedafterwards.

<Chat Process>

The procedure of a chat process at cellular phone 100 (first cellularphone 100A or second cellular phone 100B) according to the presentembodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of theprocedure of a chat process at cellular phone 100 according to thepresent embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, control unit 110 determines whether a featurebutton is operated or not (step S202). When the feature button isoperated (YES at step S202), control unit 110 executes a feature buttonoperation process subroutine (step S302) that will be describedafterwards, and repeats the process from step S202.

When the feature button is not operated (NO at step S202), control unit110 determines whether a pen drawing operation is accepted or not (stepS204). When the pen drawing operation is accepted (YES at step S204),control unit 110 transmits via communication device 101 the pen drawingoperation to the terminal of the other party (step S206). Control unit110 transfers the operation contents to the handwriting plane (stepS208). Control unit 110 repeats the process from step S202.

When the pen drawing operation is not accepted (NO at step S204),control unit 110 determines whether pen drawing operation information isreceived via communication device 101 (step S210). When the pen drawingoperation information is received (YES at step S210), control unit 110transfers the received operation information to the handwriting plane(step S208). Control unit 110 repeats the process from step S202.

When the pen drawing operation information is not received (NO at stepS210), control unit 110 determines whether an image read operation isaccepted or not (step S212). When the image read operation is accepted(YES at step S212), control unit 110 transmits the accepted image readoperation to the terminal of the other party via communication device101 (step S214). Control unit 110 transfers the accepted image readoperation to the image plane (step S216). Control unit 110 repeats theprocess from step S202.

When the image read operation is not accepted (NO at step S212), controlunit 110 determines whether image read operation information is receivedvia communication device 101 (step S218). When the image read operationinformation is received (YES at step S218), control unit 110 transfersthe received image into the image plane (step S216). Control unit 110repeats the process from step S202.

When the image read operation information is not received (NO at stepS218), control unit 110 determines whether a posting embedded file isreceived or not via communication device 101 (step S220). When theposting embedded file is received via the communication device (YES atstep S220), control unit 110 sets the posting embedded file in volatilememory 103 (step S222).

Specifically, in comparison with step S110 described above, theunderlying image (INITIMG), the post feature button designation(BTNNAME), and the mail address of the post destination (SENDADR),differing in that they correspond to a posting function embedded filetransmitted by the process of step S118 of the chat party, not fromposting server 400, are stored in volatile memory 103. Furthermore, thedesignation of the feature button is set or placed at the value of theBTNNAME, equivalent to a portion of the process of step S112 set forthabove. It is to be noted that clearing the memory region of thehandwriting plane and drawing INITIMG into the image plane performed atstep S112 can be omitted since they will be processed at step S208 andstep S216 according to the process of step S120 of the chat party.Control unit 110 executes the process from step S202.

When the posting embedded file is not received via communication device101 (NO at step S220), control unit 110 determines whether chat endoperation information is received or not (step S224). When the chat endoperation information is received via communication device 101 (YES atstep S224), control unit 110 executes the step from step S230.

When the chat end operation information is not received viacommunication device 101 (NO at step S224), control unit 110 determineswhether a chat end operation is received or not (step S226). When thechat end operation is not accepted (NO at step S226), control unit 110repeats the process from step S202.

When the chat end operation is accepted (YES at step S226), control unit110 transmits the relevant chat end operation to the terminal of theother party via communication device 101 (step S228). Control unit 110enters 0 into the variable CM of the volatile memory (step S230).Control unit 110 ends the chat process.

<Non-Chat Process>

A non-chat process (unitary usage process) at cellular phone 100 (firstcellular phone 100A or second cellular phone 100B) according to thepresent embodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 13 is a firstflowchart of the procedure of a non-chat process at cellular phone 100according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a second flowchart ofthe procedure of a non-chat process at cellular phone 100 according tothe present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, control unit 110 determines whether a featurebutton is operated or not (step S312). When the feature button isoperated (YES at step S312), control unit 110 executes the featurebutton operation process subroutine (step S300, specifically step S302)that will be described afterwards, and repeats the process from stepS312.

When the feature button is not operated (NO at step S312), control unit110 determines whether a pen drawing operation is accepted or not (stepS314). When the pen drawing operation is accepted (YES at step S314),control unit 110 transfers the accepted operation contents to thehandwriting plane (step S316). Control unit 110 repeats the process fromstep S312.

When the pen drawing operation is not accepted (NO at step S314),control unit 110 determines whether an image read operation is acceptedor not (step S318). When the image read operation is accepted (YES atstep S318), control unit 110 transfers the specified image to the imageplane (step S320). Control unit 110 repeats the process from step S312.

When the image read operation is not accepted (NO at step S318), controlunit 110 determines whether an invitation operation is accepted or not(step S322). When the invitation operation is accepted (YES at stepS322), control unit 110 transmits a request to chat server 300 viacommunication device 101 for generating the chat room of thepredetermined chat room name (step S324).

Control unit 110 transmits mail inviting to have a chat to the specifiedparty via communication device 101 (step S326). Control unit 110determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed from transmittingmail inviting to have a chat (step S328). When the predetermined timehas elapsed from transmitting mail inviting to have a chat (YES at stepS328), control unit 110 transmits a chat room delete instruction to chatserver 300 (step S330). Control unit 110 repeats the process from stepS312.

When the predetermined time has not elapsed from transmitting mailinviting to have a chat (NO at step S328), control unit 110 determineswhether the specified party has entered the chat room (step S332). Whenthe specified party has not entered the chat room (NO at step S332),control unit 110 repeats the step from step S328. When the specifiedparty has entered the chat room (YES at step S332), the process fromstep S344 is executed.

When the invitation operation is not accepted (NO at step S322), controlunit 110 determines whether an invitation message has been received fromanother terminal via communication device 101 (step S334). When theinvitation message from another terminal is not received (NO at stepS334), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S312.

When the invitation message from another terminal is received (YES atstep S334), control unit 110 notifies the user of receiving aninvitation mail (step S336). Control unit 110 determines whether apredetermined time has elapsed from notifying the user of receiving theinvitation mail (step S338). When the predetermined time has elapsed(YES at step S338), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S312.

When the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO at step S338), controlunit 110 determines whether an NG operation is received or not (stepS340). When the NG operation is received from the user (YES at stepS340), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S312.

When the NG operation is not accepted (NO at step S340), control unit110 determines whether an OK operation is accepted from the user (stepS342). When the OK operation is not accepted from the user (NO at stepS342), control unit 110 repeats the process from step S338. When the OKoperation is accepted from the user (YES at step S342), control unit 110repeats the process from step S350.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the specified party has entered the chat room(YES at step S332 in FIG. 13), control unit 110 exchanges or setsinitial information with the terminal of the other party viacommunication device 101 (step S344). Specifically, control unit 110receives the IP address of the terminal of the other party viacommunication device 101. Control unit 110 transmits image information(contents transferred to handwriting plane, image plane) viacommunication device 101. Control unit 110 transmits information such asthe presence/absence of posting function embedded (posting functionembedded file) via communication device 101.

Control unit 110 transmits a request to delete the chat room to chatserver 300 via communication device 101 (step S346). Control unit 110inserts 1 into variable CM of the volatile memory (step S348). Controlunit 110 ends the non-chat process.

When the OK operation is accepted from the user (YES at step S342 inFIG. 13), control unit 110 enters the chat room corresponding to apredetermined chat room name of chat server 300 via communication device101 (step S350).

Control unit 110 exchanges and/or sets the initial information with theterminal of the other party via communication device 101 (step S352).Specifically, control unit 110 receives the IP address of the terminalof the other party via communication device 101. Control unit 110receives and sets the image information (contents transferred tohandwriting plane, image plane) via communication device 101. Controlunit 110 receives and/or sets information such as the presence/absenceof posting function embedded (posting function embedded file) viacommunication device 101. Control unit 110 executes the process fromstep S348.

<Feature Button Operation Process>

The procedure of the feature button process (process when feature buttonis depressed) subroutine at cellular phone 100 (first cellular phone100A or second cellular phone 100B) according to the present embodimentwill be described hereinafter. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the procedureof a feature button operation process subroutine of the presentembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, control unit 110 determines whether in a postingallowed state or not (step S302). Specifically, control unit 110determines whether SENDADR of the volatile memory is not NULL. When notin a posting allowed state (NO at step S302), control unit 110 storesthe contents of the handwriting plane (display data) into volatilememory 103 or non-volatile memory 105 (step S304). Control unit 110executes the process from step S312.

When in a posting allowed state (YES at step S302), the contents of thehandwriting plane (display data) is transmitted according to SENDADR viacommunication device 101 (step S306). Control unit 110 determineswhether a test result is received from posting server 400 viacommunication device 101 (step S308). When the test result is notreceived (NO at step S308), control unit 110 repeats the process fromstep S308.

When the test result is received (YES at step S308), control unit 110stores the relevant test result in volatile memory 103 or non-volatilememory 105 (step S310). Control unit 110 returns the control to theexecution destination of the main subroutine.

<PBPUSH Process>

The procedure of a service usage start button operation process (PBPUSHprocess) at cellular phone 100 according to the present embodiment willbe described hereinafter. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the procedure of aPBPUSH process at cellular phone 100 of the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, control unit 110 generates a posting functionembedded file (step S402). Specifically, control unit 110 extracts theposting function embedded file based on page data. Alternatively,control unit 110 downloads the posting function embedded file fromposting server 400.

Control unit 110 activates and executes an application associated withthe relevant file (handwriting chat application) with the postingfunction embedded file as the parameters (step S404). More specifically,a browser application and the handwriting application are linked as setforth below in the present embodiment. In other words, the browserapplication activates the handwriting application.

(1) Activation of a handwriting chat application is conducted by an OS(operation system) function. As used herein, the OS function is directedto executing an application associated with a specified file based onassociated information between a file extension and the application(execution file), registered in a registry (system file).

(2) The correspondence (association) between the file extension and theapplication is registered in the registry at the time of installing thehandwriting chat application.

(3) The setting of the system variables of the application is conductedby the activation process on part of the application (activation processof the handwriting chat application). For example, control unit 110 setsthe contents of the file indicated by a variable DLDT in the postingfunction embedded file at handwriting chat variable INITIMG. Controlunit 110 sets the value of a variable ULADR in the posting functionembedded file at handwriting chat variable SENTADR.

<Service Process>

The procedure of a service process at posting server 400 of the presentembodiment will be described hereinafter. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of theprocedure of the service process at posting server 400 of the presentembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, control unit 410 determines whether a log-inrequest is accepted from cellular phone 100 via communication device 401(step S502). When the log-in request is accepted from cellular phone 100(YES at step S502), control unit 410 transmits the display data of acompatibility test page to the relevant cellular phone via communicationdevice 401 (step S504). Control unit 410 repeats the process from stepS502.

When the log-in request is not accepted from cellular phone 100 (NO atstep S502), control unit 410 determines whether an image file(B_IMG.JPG) transmission request is accepted via communication device401 (step S506). When the image file transmission request is accepted(YES at step S506), control unit 410 transmits the requested image fileto the terminal issuing the request via communication device 401 (stepS508). Control unit 410 repeats the process from step S502.

When the image file transmission request is not accepted (NO at stepS506), control unit 410 determines whether a function embedded filetransmission request is accepted from cellular phone 100 (step S510).When the request for transmitting a function embedded file is acceptedfrom cellular phone 100 (YES at step S510), control unit 410 transmitsthe posting function embedded file to the terminal issuing the requestvia communication device 401 (step S512). Control unit 410 repeats theprocess from step S502.

When the request for transmitting a function embedded file is notaccepted (NO at step S510), control unit 410 determines whether a testrequest mail is received via communication device 401 (step S514). Whenthe test request mail is not received from the cellular phone (NO atstep S514), control unit 410 repeats the process from step S502.

When the test request mail is received (YES at step S514), control unit410 carries out a compatibility test process based on the transmittedhandwriting data (step S516). Control unit 410 stores the processedresult of the test process at a predetermined location in volatilememory 403 or non-volatile memory 405 (step S518).

Control unit 410 returns the mail including the stored location (addressof the site for viewing the test result) to the terminal issuing thetest request via communication device 401 (step S520). Control unit 410repeats the process from step S502.

<Other Embodiments>

The present invention is also applicable in the case where a program issupplied to a system or device. The advantage of the present inventioncan be offered by supplying a storage medium in which is recorded aprogram represented by software directed to accomplishing the presentinvention to a system or device, and causing the computer of that systemor device to read out and execute the program code stored in the storagedevice.

In this case, the program code per se read out from the storage mediumimplements the function of the embodiments set forth above. The storagemedium storing such program codes constitute the present invention.

For a storage medium to supply the program code, a hard disk, opticaldisk, magneto optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatilememory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask ROM, flash EEPROM and the like)may be used.

In addition to realizing the functions of the embodiments set forthabove by executing a program code read out by a computer, the functionsof the embodiments described above may be realized by a processaccording to an OS (Operating System) running on the computer performinga part of or all of the actual process, based on the commands of therelevant program codes.

Further, the program codes read out from a recording medium may bewritten to a memory included in a functionality expansion board insertedto a computer or a functionality expansion unit connected to a computer.Then, the functions of the embodiments described above may be realizedby a process according to a CPU or the like provided on thefunctionality expansion board or the functionality expansion unit,performing a part of or all of the actual process, based on the commandsof the relevant program codes.

It is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are only byway of example, and not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope ofthe present invention is not limited by the description above, butrather by the terms of the appended claims, and is intended to includeany modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the termsof the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 network system; 100 cellular phone; 100A first cellular phone; 100Bsecond cellular phone; 101, 101A, 101B communication device; 102 tablet;103 volatile memory; 104 display memory; 104A initial image; 105non-volatile memory; 106 main controller; 107 display; 108 communicationcontroller; 109 display controller; 110 control unit; 200 mail server;300 chat server; 400 posting server; 401 communication device; 403volatile memory; 405 non-volatile memory; 406 main controller; 410control unit; 500 network; 1061 chat application; 1062 browserapplication; 1063 mailer application.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A communication method at a communicationterminal including a display, a control unit, and a wirelesscommunication device for connection with a server and another apparatus,the communication method comprising the steps of: accepting an operationinstruction by said control unit; receiving contents from said servervia said wireless communication device according to said operationinstruction by said control unit; causing said display to show saidcontents by said control unit; determining whether connection with saidanother apparatus is established or not by said control unit; andtransmitting said contents to said another apparatus via said wirelesscommunication device after a determination is made that connection withsaid another apparatus is established by said control unit.
 2. Thecommunication method according to claim 1, further comprising:converting said contents to a format acceptable by said anotherapparatus, wherein said transmitting said contents included transmittingsaid converted contents.
 3. The communication method according to claim1, wherein said contents is an image.
 4. The communication methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said contents is a Web page.
 5. Acommunication method of using a communication terminal to communicate toa server and another apparatus via a network, the method comprising:accepting an operation instruction by said communication terminal;requesting said server of contents according to said operationinstruction by said communication terminal; receiving said contentstransmitted from said server according to said request from saidcommunication terminal, by said communication terminal; causing a firstdisplay to show said contents by said communication terminal;determining whether connection with said another apparatus isestablished or not by said communication terminal; transmitting saidcontents to said another apparatus after a determination is made thatconnection with said another apparatus is established by saidcommunication terminal; receiving said contents from said communicationterminal by said another apparatus; and causing a second display to showsaid contents by said another apparatus.
 6. The communication methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising: converting said contents to aformat acceptable by said another apparatus, wherein: said transmittingsaid contents includes transmitting said converted contents; saidreceiving said contents includes receiving said converted contents; andcausing said second display to show said contents includes causing saidsecond display to show said converted contents.
 7. The communicationmethod according to claim 5, wherein: said requesting said server ofcontents includes requesting said sever of contents via a wirelesscommunication device, and said transmitting said contents to saidanother apparatus includes transmitting said contents via said wirelesscommunication device.
 8. The communication method according to claim 5,wherein: said requesting is performed via a communication device; andsaid receiving is performed via a wireless communication device.
 9. Thecommunication method according to claim 5, wherein: said requesting isperformed via a first wireless communication device; and said receivingis performed via a second wireless communication device.
 10. Thecommunication method according to claim 5, wherein said contents is animage.
 11. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein saidcontents is a Web page.